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Curator's comments

See AOA Christy Correspondence: letter from Col. Zarubin, Kolpino, January 17 [?1866] listing objects and views.One figure on the back of the box appears to be carrying a choron, a carved wooden vessel for carrying kumis, a drink made from fermented mare's milk, often served at the Yakut summer festival. In the same carved scene there are feathery leaf-like motifs which could be depictions of birch trees. Birch trees are used to decorate the Yakut summer festival space.Entered in the Christy Collection Register July 1869-July 1877, fol. 33 1869 as:Presented by William Bragge Esq of Sheffield, 21 April ..."17. Puzzle box carved out of Mammoth ivory by a native of Jakoutsk (sic), Siberia."Additional note: "The above Nos. 14-17 were given to Mr Bragge by Col. Zarutin, Governor of the Iron Works at Kolpino"